Author Topic: VSC Ride (Read 6855 times)

Randy Powell · « **on:** March 03, 2012, 08:00:13 PM »

Well, here it is. There's good news and bad news. The bad news is, the finish is just OK. Not embarrassing, but not a 20 pointer (maybe a 15-16 pointer). The good news is, it's lighter than I thought it was going to be. Had to weight it 3 times just because I didn't believe it. Final let's go flying weight is 48.5oz. PA 40UL. The last picture is just for Bill Little.

Rafael Gonzalez · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2012, 08:14:32 PM »

I am always in awe when these planes get posted in here... It is amazing. The beauty is beyond words. I saw all these PA artworks at the several NATS in Westover AFB, MA... Only ones I have ever been able to attend...
I lasted ~10 secs with Stubblefield

Took my knot off in a wink while I was lining up on him...

Shultzie · « **Reply #2 on:** March 03, 2012, 08:59:45 PM »

RANDY!
A beautiful work of CLPA art!!!....Not only tear'd up...but even lost a tad of bladder control
I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOO PROUD OF YOU...and MARK! What a stunning display those two models would be...in a line up under bright lights! GRAB YOUR SUNGLASSES GANG! TALK ABOUT SPARKLE...SPARKLE...N' TUSCON SHINE TIME!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #3 on:** March 03, 2012, 09:04:28 PM »

Wish I would have had a couple more weeks to work on the finish. The clear is sort of rubbed. There's quite a bit more orange peel than I thought there was. I'll hit it with sandpaper later and try again to polish it up, but I just ran out of time.

But like I say, it's presentable. We'll see tomorrow if it flies as good as it looks.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #4 on:** March 03, 2012, 09:14:28 PM »

Looks really great Randy, as usual from the "Powellwerks". At that weight it should easily elevate itself out of the "TOAD" class.

Can we see some closer shots of the finished nose area?

It's been very fun and interesting watching it all progress. Thanks for all the info and for putting up with all the pestering. Now it's time for the payoff, have a great time in Tucson!

Ahem, uh, now Mark?

Balsa Butcher · « **Reply #5 on:** March 03, 2012, 09:17:28 PM »

Pure Class Randy, Bravo!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #6 on:** March 03, 2012, 09:19:11 PM »

Wayne,

This is the best I can do. I'll some out in the sun tomorrow.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #7 on:** March 03, 2012, 10:16:41 PM »

Looks very good, Randy! Are you going to be able to test fly it tomorrow? When will the Avenger be rolling out of town?

Steve

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #8 on:** March 03, 2012, 11:51:08 PM »

Quote from: wwwarbird on March 03, 2012, 09:14:28 PM

Ahem, uh, now Mark?

WHAT,, !!!!!My Avenger has been done a LONG time,, what on earth are you implying Wayne,, sheesh,,

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #9 on:** March 03, 2012, 11:53:10 PM »

Randy,, best of luck tomorrow,, I really want to see them side by side,, although I am not sure we should post any pictures of them on the lawn for appearance judging, Poor Donnie may have a coronary,, LOL,,

Randy Powell · « **Reply #10 on:** March 04, 2012, 12:17:33 AM »

Steve,

Pete P, Pete F and I are flying at noon tomorrow in Auburn. Pete P is taking it afterward.

Howard Rush · « **Reply #11 on:** March 04, 2012, 12:26:41 AM »

That may justify my moseying down to Auburn.

Clint Ormosen · « **Reply #12 on:** March 04, 2012, 01:14:36 AM »

Looks great! Don't you just love finishing a new plane with minuets to spare before going to a big contest?

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #13 on:** March 04, 2012, 06:34:27 AM »

Looks GREAT Randy. Great weight/power too. Should be an AWESOME package!

John Miller · « **Reply #14 on:** March 04, 2012, 06:56:14 AM »

See ya in Tucson.

Allan Perret · « **Reply #15 on:** March 04, 2012, 07:33:04 AM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on March 03, 2012, 09:04:28 PM

There's quite a bit more orange peel than I thought there was.

Great looking bird, hope it flys as good as it looks.
The orange peel issue, was it with dope or 2K auto ?

Warren Wagner · « **Reply #16 on:** March 04, 2012, 07:51:29 AM »

Randy,

That is absolutely fantastic, which is just what we have come to expect from you. You are definitely 'da man.

I especially like the work you did with the canopy area. When you have time, please give us a short outline of
the finish, and some more closeups of the nose area, including the air exits near the bottom.

QUESTION: The canopy has such a nice gloss.....did you shot clear over the canopy?

Good luck with the test flights. The finished weight was amazing.

Cheers.

Warren Wagner

john e. holliday · « **Reply #17 on:** March 04, 2012, 08:08:40 AM »

Randy, hope it flies as well as it looks. I too want to see the planes in person. Also how closedo you have to get to see the orange peel . I'll bring my magnifying glass.

Matt Colan · « **Reply #18 on:** March 04, 2012, 08:15:30 AM »

It's beautiful Randy!!! Good luck at VSC with it!!!

Shultzie · « **Reply #19 on:** March 04, 2012, 10:36:08 AM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on March 04, 2012, 12:17:33 AM

Steve,

Pete P, Pete F and I are flying at noon tomorrow in Auburn. Pete P is taking it afterward.

SEE YA GUYS THERE...AT NOON! (YES! however I better double up on my HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE MEDS..BEFORE I LEAVE! Put my phone on 911 SPEED DIAL JUST IN CASE

HEY RANDY..
DON'T LET ALL OF US TRICK YOU INTO FLYING THAT MODEL...IF THE WEATHER ISN'T RIGHT!!! WHY NOT JUST SAVE THE TRIMMING UNTIL TUCSON TIME..WHERE ITS NICE N WARM...AND SURROUNDED BY A GAGGLE OF YOUR FRIENDS AND PEERS!

john e. holliday · « **Reply #20 on:** March 04, 2012, 01:13:48 PM »

Yeah, Randy, save the initial first for Tuscon and test fly in front of some of the best pilots in the good ole USA.

Claudio Chacon · « **Reply #21 on:** March 04, 2012, 02:52:21 PM »

Absolutely AWESOME Randy! Another first class job.

And I can see that your shop is READY for the next one! Anything in mind?

Kind regards,
Claudio

Bill Little · « **Reply #22 on:** March 04, 2012, 03:35:52 PM »

A real pretty build, Randy! And thanks for the "bottom shot".

I hope it flies even better than it looks, which will really be great.

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

Randy Powell · « **Reply #23 on:** March 04, 2012, 09:38:49 PM »

Should have waited for Tucson. Flew today. It's tailheavy and I had a problem on the landing. Like dropping for 10 feet sort of problem. So now I'm rushing to fix it before it's ride leaves on Thursday.

Sigh...

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #24 on:** March 04, 2012, 10:24:57 PM »

Randy, how bad is it dude?
at least here you have a shot at fixing it... if it happened int Tuscon, who knows,,

wwwarbird · « **Reply #25 on:** March 04, 2012, 10:33:46 PM »

Feces.

Hope it's not too bad Randy.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #26 on:** March 04, 2012, 10:36:01 PM »

Mark,

Scrap on the cowl (gee, where did I hear that before), trashed both gear doors and fractured the covering on the bottom of the outboard wing and a small spot on the top. No real structural damage (well it crack the leading edge, but not too bad).

So, all the structural stuff is fixed including the cowl and doors. the wing is repaired and recovered and 3 coats of dope, sanded and primer is on it. Tomorrow I'll sand the primer down and if not wogglies come up, I should be able to shoot white on tomorrow and if I can get it to dry soon enough, touch up the trim. Tuesday I can reshoot clear and take to to Pete on Wednesday. I'll have to rub it out in Tucson. Well see if I can get it done in time.

Oh, and it will be near 50oz because I'm putting an ounce of lead in the nose.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #27 on:** March 04, 2012, 10:46:29 PM »

It was probably too light anyway.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #28 on:** March 05, 2012, 08:51:21 AM »

well unfortunate, but not insurmountable,,

best of luck with it Randy,, maybe you should call in sick tomorrow?

Shultzie · « **Reply #29 on:** March 05, 2012, 11:31:45 AM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on March 04, 2012, 10:36:01 PM

Mark,

Scrap on the cowl (gee, where did I hear that before), trashed both gear doors and fractured the covering on the bottom of the outboard wing and a small spot on the top. No real structural damage (well it crack the leading edge, but not too bad).

So, all the structural stuff is fixed including the cowl and doors. the wing is repaired and recovered and 3 coats of dope, sanded and primer is on it. Tomorrow I'll sand the primer down and if not wogglies come up, I should be able to shoot white on tomorrow and if I can get it to dry soon enough, touch up the trim. Tuesday I can reshoot clear and take to to Pete on Wednesday. I'll have to rub it out in Tucson. Well see if I can get it done in time.

Oh, and it will be near 50oz because I'm putting an ounce of lead in the nose.

All morning long...I have been trying IN VAIN to find the right words to say to Randy, Mark and all of his friends who were standing by yesterday at around high noon during that moment as we witnessed that ill fated dead stickin' landing approach after the completion of that first maiden flight of Randy's stunningly beautiful new Classic model bit the tarmac---not once, but at least twice.

I can still hear the OH NOOOO! screams, moans n "AHH SH**TS N' SHOUTS at the moment we had to helplessly watch those strong BURSTS OF HIGH WIND TUBULENCE take control over that Avenger, which then suddenly LIFTED that beautiful model back into the air------ TRULY HORRIFIC as all of us watched Randy doin' that infamously "DREADED BACK FOOT SHUFFLIN' SHUFFLE DANCE MOVES...( THAT CERTAINLY IN NOOOO WAY REMIND US OF "JAGGER!!!"

However after reading Randy's post above....Knowing just how gifted Randy's building and amazing finishing skills are, that he indeed will make that Thurs. dead line delivery date for the trip to VSC 24!
attached are a few shots from yesterday.

Shultzie · « **Reply #30 on:** March 05, 2012, 11:35:49 AM »

a few more.

Shultzie · « **Reply #31 on:** March 05, 2012, 11:46:06 AM »

Here is Pete's approval of Randy's CLPA art..and Randy filing that "Flight Plan in his mind moment.
RANDY...MAY THE GREAT LORD ABOVE SHINE A LIGHT UPON U AND ALL THOSE PURTY SHINEY RIBS..."TAKE A LIKIN' TO YA..BOTH--INSTEAD OF A LICKIN' AND LET YOU RIDE THE FRIENDLY SKIES TO THE SUNNY SNOWBIRD FLIGHT TO TUSCON VSC 24

wwwarbird · « **Reply #32 on:** March 05, 2012, 12:20:15 PM »

Thanks for the great pics Schultzie, especially the nice shot of the nose.

Shultzie · « **Reply #33 on:** March 05, 2012, 12:25:29 PM »

Quote from: wwwarbird on March 05, 2012, 12:20:15 PM

Thanks for the great pics Schultzie, especially the nice shot of the nose.

LOVE HIS PILOT..HUH? Ties in with the Quip on the rudder? (Wonder about the "karma" of that pilot that might have had n' influenced some how on the fate of yesterday?) NAW!

Shultzie · « **Reply #34 on:** March 05, 2012, 12:37:10 PM »

Beautiful lettering really sets the mood of this VSC 24 model Classic presentation...Amazing work Randy!!! TOO COOL!

Bill Little · « **Reply #35 on:** March 05, 2012, 01:32:18 PM »

Oh crap, Randy! I really hate to hear of this mishap. Best wishes on the repairs!

Bill

Randy Powell · « **Reply #36 on:** March 05, 2012, 02:48:32 PM »

Well, I'm shooting paint. I may even have it done by the time Pete leaves.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #37 on:** March 05, 2012, 03:46:17 PM »

Randy - hang tough, fella, you can do it! Gorgeous airplane, simply gorgeous!

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #38 on:** March 05, 2012, 04:05:50 PM »

dang,, you did take the day off work didn't you LOL

Randy Powell · « **Reply #39 on:** March 05, 2012, 04:47:06 PM »

The white is on. Waiting for it to dry. Then the trim back on and hopefully, the clear. It will be OK, but the repair won't be invisible. Not too awfully noticeable was about all I have time for.

Shultzie · « **Reply #40 on:** March 05, 2012, 05:03:38 PM »

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #41 on:** March 05, 2012, 07:18:48 PM »

Randy, dude I really feel for you man,, regardless, I truly hope you get it finished to send with Pete,, one way or another,, but damn, what a way to start a new plane off...

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #42 on:** March 05, 2012, 07:35:12 PM »

Randy,
I am sure that you will be the only one who sees the repair. That is a beautiful airplane.
See you the last weekend of VSC

Randy Powell · « **Reply #43 on:** March 05, 2012, 07:37:11 PM »

I wouldn't mind so much if I had more time. On top of that, I feel like crap. Well, I hope I get it done.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #44 on:** March 05, 2012, 10:10:43 PM »

Not trying to rub it in Randy, but I just have to ask. How did you manage to send it on a maiden flight if it was that extremely tailheavy? I assume you bench checked the basic balance out first, but?

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #45 on:** March 05, 2012, 11:01:40 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on March 05, 2012, 07:37:11 PM

I wouldn't mind so much if I had more time. On top of that, I feel like crap. Well, I hope I get it done.

I hope you get it done too, Randy -- good luck, and hopefully the fates are done messing with your plane.

Mark Scarborough · « **Reply #46 on:** March 06, 2012, 01:21:54 AM »

Wayne, speaking from my experience with this design,, in blustery ( read that as windy) conditions,it does not take much to make it float, especially since Randy built his to light,, I mean really, 48 ounces for a 640 inch airplane,, pfffttt, now mine is a much more manly 60 ounces,, but even so, it likes lots of forward momentum to glide flat, it wants to balloon when its slow,, so with wind, and a tendancy to balloon slightly, you really have to keep the speed up,, add in a touch of tail heavy, it doesnt take much, and you have major issues,, I went through it with mine too,, and it was flying well,, but the first time I flew it in some decent wind I had an oh crap moment like Randy's. Randy, remember PUyallup,, sigh,, that was the second cowling repair,,

louie klein · « **Reply #47 on:** March 06, 2012, 05:44:38 AM »

I find it relaxing to look at great craftsmanship and boy am I relaxed now

Good luck!---LOUIE

Larry Cunningham · « **Reply #48 on:** March 06, 2012, 06:20:17 AM »

Randy,

Another fine work of art! Awesome, as usual.

Great work - best of luck at Tucson.

L.

"Experience is a good school but the fees are high." -Heinrich Heine

Randy Powell · « **Reply #49 on:** March 06, 2012, 02:04:06 PM »

Mark,

Yea, I don't suspect there will be much if any weight gain from the repair, but there will be some from weight I plan to put in the nose.